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God’s Battalions: The Case For The Crusades, by Rodney Stark

December 30, 2015 by

God’s Battalions: The Case For The Crusades

By: Rodney Stark

The Pastor’s Monthly Book Selection – January, 2016

Monthly Book Suggestion Jan 2016Written by Baylor University Professor Rodney Stark this short easy to read work confronts a number of misconceptions about the history of the Crusades. Some of the familiar arguments that have been given against the Crusades since the time of the enlightenment, and which still haunt Christianity today, are reviewed in light of the actual situations of the day as revealed through letters and documents of various participants. Professor Stark demonstrates that these conflicts were not simply unprovoked wars of expansion, religious zealotry, or fortune hunting by European barbarians. Neither were the Muslim opponents sophisticated and enlightened cultures that were more advanced and civilized than the West. The Crusades were, in fact, the result of a series of political and military provocations that had been growing since the advent of Islam.

One criticism that this reviewer had of the book was that, although the author attempted to make the case that the Crusades were not promoted as a means of penitence, a careful read reveals that a twisted view of Christian teaching did, in fact, promise eternal reward to the volunteers. Nevertheless, Stark adequately points out that numerous Crusaders took up the sword in a selfless and sacrificial attempt to confront evil.

Regardless of one’s opinion of this time period, God’s Battalions is a thought provoking and enjoyable read about one of histories more misunderstood eras.

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Is Christianity in Crisis?

November 30, 2015 by

I recently saw another of those doomsday quotes on Facebook that started out by saying, “Christianity is now in crisis…” Over and over we are bombarded with statistics that indicate the demise of the Church and the downfall of Christianity. From dwindling numbers at youth group meetings to a shrinking number of people in the pews we are told that something needs to be done to rectify the situation. Well, I’m not buying it. Besides the reason for these statistics there is something else that Christians need to remember about their faith.

So, let’s set the record straight … Christianity has always been in crisis. It’s the nature of the Kingdom of God coming into contact with the kingdom of man. But for those who like to make statements about the dire condition of modern (or if you prefer, post-modern) Christianity, I’d like to point out the following approximate dates and circumstances…

  • Between 58 and 90 AD the church in Corinth was beset by schism, immorality, abuse of the sacraments, etc … Peter needed to be rebuked by Paul for encouraging the church in Antioch to play the hypocrite, and the Apostle John noted that many anti-Christs were already active in the world, denying the Son of God
  • Between 100 and 300 AD the Gnostic heresy was making inroads into the church
  • In the 3rd century the Sabellian heresy was prevalent
  • In the 4th century Arianism was splitting the church so badly that it took a council, called by the emperor, to rectify the situation
  • In the 5th century the pelagian, semi-pelagian, Nestorian, and Monophysite heresies were causing great trouble throughout the church
  • Between the 6th and 12th centuries there were too many problems to even name. However, one major incident and an illustration of one pope should suffice to evidence those problems…
    • 1) In 1054 there was the “Great Schism”, dividing east & west Christianity which still exists today…
    • 2) Between 1032 and 1044 Pope Benedict IX actually sold the papacy twice … After selling it the first time, he regained the throne, only to sell it again. One RCC saint called this pope, “a demon from hell in the disguise of a priest.”
  • In 1409 there were three Popes … all at the same time, and all claiming to be the rightful ‘heir” of St. Peter, and all excommunicating each other
  • Between 1450 and 1650 there were the Borgia popes … enough said about that…
  • By 1517 things got so out of hand that the doctrine of justification was no longer recognizable in much of the church’s teaching, thereby causing the Protestant Reformation. Martyrdom of many protestant Christians took place for quite sometime thereafter.
  • In the 1600’s the English Puritans felt forced into a civil war and in 1649 they put to death their king
  • 1700 saw the advent of the enlightenment period that ushered deism and other heresies into the church
  • The 19th and 20th centuries saw the rise of theological liberalism and higher criticism…

So, is Christianity today in anymore of a crisis than it was in the past? Probably not. We just happen to be living now and therefore notice our current problems more.

All that being said, it would be helpful for us to remember the words of the founder and head of the Church … “Upon this rock I will build My church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it” Mt.16:15

Christ in Christmas: A Family Advent Celebration, by James Dobson, Charles Swindoll, James Montgomery Boice, R. C. Sproul

November 17, 2015 by

Harmony of the Westminster Confession and Catechisms

By: James Dobson, Charles Swindoll, James Montgomery Boice, R. C. Sproul

The Pastor’s Monthly Book Selection – December, 2015

Monthly Book Suggestion December 2015Around the Holiday season families often look for ways to keep Christ in the forefront of their Christmas celebrations. Throughout the years our family has used Christ in Christmas: A Family Advent Celebration for that purpose. Compiled by R.C. Sproul there are Sunday devotions written by Sproul, James Montgomery Boice, James Dobson, and Charles Swindoll as well as activities, hymns, Christmas carols, prayers, and daily Scripture readings that guide the family through the four weeks of advent. The Scripture references progress through the OT prophecies about the coming Messiah into the Gospel accounts where those prophecies are fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. This is a helpful resource that reminds us of the reason for the season.

A word of caution is probably needed here for families with children under the age of 10. Christ in Christmas is not shallow material. This is not the usual “feel good” Christmas story book. The Sunday devotions are meaty and the prophetic references need to be thought through. However, that has the advantage of allowing for good discussion and a better understanding of the Bible. This book is probably best suited for families with older children. Nevertheless, those with younger kids can still benefit if parents take time to prepare in advance so that they can explain the concepts developed by the authors.

Christ in Christmas is a decent resource that will help you and your family better understand God’s plan of sending His Son into the world to be our Savior

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Harmony of the Westminster Confession and Catechisms, by Morton H. Smith

October 28, 2015 by

Harmony of the Westminster Confession and Catechisms

By: Morton H. Smith

The Pastor’s Monthly Book Selection – November, 2015

Book Suggestion November 2015While ordering a number of books sometime ago I was mistakenly sent a copy of Morton Smith’s Harmony of the Westminster Confession and Catechisms. The bookstore’s error turned out to be my gain. Once I began perusing the work I eagerly paid the extra cost and kept it for myself.

For those that have never read the Westminster Standards or who have only read a section of the three pieces that make up that work, Morton Smith’s volume is extremely helpful. By providing parallel columns for the Confession of Faith, the Larger Catechism, and the Shorter Catechism, he allows the reader to compare the specific doctrines taught in these historic documents. Helpful Scripture references are also provided so that the reader is able to see the biblical basis for the theology, ethics, and practices of the Reformed Faith.

I highly recommend Dr. Smith’s work as an easy to use guide for theological study or reference.

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Five English Reformers, By J.C. Ryle

September 30, 2015 by

Five English Reformers

By: J.C. Ryle

The Pastor’s Monthly Book Selection – October, 2015

Monthly Book Suggestion Octocber 2015Every so often Christians can be blessed by being reminded of the struggles that previous generations endured for the sake of the gospel. In 1890 the Anglican bishop, J.C. Ryle penned a small but powerful book entitled Light from Old Times. This little work has been reprinted and released by Banner of Truth Trust under the name, Five English Reformers.

J.C. Ryle details the defense of the gospel and the martyrdom of five English churchmen during times of severe persecution in their nation. In my opinion, the first chapter entitled, “Why were our Reformers burned?” is worth the price of the book. The accounts of John Hooper, Rowland Taylor, Hugh Latimer, John Bradford, and Nicholas Ridley demonstrate the truth that although Christians may suffer and even die for the sake of Christ, they serve a God who will not desert them even in their darkest hours. I pray that all who read this work will be strengthened in their faith and emboldened in their conviction to stand for the gospel of grace. As we read the testimonies of these Protestant martyrs may we be reminded that God was faithful to ensure (as Bishop Latimer said to Ridley when dying at the stake) that their death would “light such a candle … (that) shall never be put out.” By God’s grace alone that small candle lit a gospel flame that still burns brightly in Bible believing churches throughout the world today

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The Confessions of St. Augustine

September 3, 2015 by
Confessions of St Augustine

Confessions of St Augustine

The Confessions of St. Augustine, trans. Benignus O’Rourke (2013)

Pastor’s Monthly Book Selection – September, 2015

The Confessions of St. Augustine is one of the few books that should be read by every Christian. Although there are many translations available it is often difficult to find one that is written in a style familiar to modern ears. However, I discovered a recent edition of this great classic translated by Benignus O’Rourke that is both readable and engaging.

Augustine began writing his “Confessions” while serving as the Bishop of Hippo in North Africa. Throughout this autobiographical work the author portrays himself as a sinner who had come to understand that God was pursuing him even as he was resisting the truth of the gospel. Once drawn to faith in Christ by the grace of God this man, who had turned his back on the Lord could write, “You touched me, and I burn with desire for your peace.” For Augustine, who sought fulfillment in pleasure, nothing in the world could be compared to the rest he finally found in the God who made him for Himself.

Written both as a call to conversion and a support for believers, Augustine’s words will remind us of the providential care and marvelous grace of God that is still active in our own Christian journey. Whether it is this version or another translation, I highly recommend The Confessions of St. Augustine to all those that desire God today.

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